Accused King Philip Mill arsonist declared dangerous

Christopher Silva will stay behind bars until he is brought to trial on charges he set the fire that destroyed a building at King Philip Mill Complex on Jan. 3.

Kevin P. O'Connor

Christopher Silva will stay behind bars until he is brought to trial on charges he set the fire that destroyed a building at King Philip Mill Complex on Jan. 3.

Superior Court Judge Renee Dupuis approved a motion by prosecutor Michael Cahillane that Silva be deemed too dangerous to be released on bail while awaiting trial.

Dupuis ruled that Silva’s two previous convictions for arson, and convictions for crimes that include breaking and entering, larceny and assault, helped her reach the conclusion that Silva was a danger.

The judge also ruled that the prosecution’s case against Silva is strong enough to warrant detention.

Silva, 37, formerly of 215 Tripp St., was arrested in the early morning of Jan. 3, even as firefighters fought to contain the fire that destroyed an office and proofing building at the King Philip Mill Complex, 386 Kilburn St. The office building was destroyed, but firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to the main mill complex. At 750,000 square feet, it is one of the largest in the city.

The city’s chief arson investigators, Police Lt. Paul Bernier and Fire Lt. William Powers, were on the scene shortly after the fire started. They said they saw Silva in the crowd watching the fire and approached him.

When they reached him, Bernier and Powers allege, they noticed the smell of smoke and of fuel coming from Silva’s clothing. When they tried to speak with him, Silva tried to escape and had to be chased and tackled, police allege.

Police later retrieved a security video, which they allege shows Silva breaking into the office building to steal computer equipment from tenant Philip Dann. Silva also allegedly broke into a parked car. Silva is seen running from the building shortly before the fire was discovered, police allege.

Silva is being held on 13 charges, including arson, assault and causing injuries to three firefighters who were hurt the night of the fire.

With the ruling ordering Silva held, the prosecution must be ready for trial within 60 days of his arraignment on April 9.